Autumn really is the most magical time of the year in New England; specifically Boston. Restaurants, storefronts, and apartment buildings are decked out with mums and pumpkins by mid-September and by October, every tree seems to have golden leaves. Fall was, well, different last year. We were in the peak of the pandemic without any knowledge of vaccines and we were navigating how we would handle the upcoming holiday season – virtually. This time last year my days consisted of early morning walks, working remotely (for someone else) from 7:30am-6:00pm, and avoiding indoor – and some outdoor – social gatherings (due to being cautious about the pandemic) at all costs.
While things are somewhat different this year, I’m still aware that the pandemic is not over. That being said, I’m thrilled to see so many businesses (shops, farms, restaurants, orchards, etc..) have found a way to safely welcome in customers. So, I wanted to create a fall bucket list to be sure that I make time to enjoy as much of this season as possible. Some of the things on my list are minuscule tasks and others are experiences throughout New England we have yet to experience and are hoping we’ll get around to doing this year.
Also – a reminder that “experiences” do not have to be expensive – I’ve included plenty of the things on my list that are budget friendly, if not free!
A Vermont Roadtrip
Ant and I have wanted to visit Vermont for a while and we knew we wanted to visit in the fall. Hotels and Airbnbs book up so quickly in certain areas of Vermont this time of year, so a few months back in July we booked our trip. Because we booked in advance, we were able to find an inexpensive Airbnb with plenty of availability. I am SO thankful we thought ahead, because this Airbnb is now booked through 2022! We’re headed there in a few weeks and I cannot wait for a few days away together in a spot we’ve been dreaming of visiting for a while now.
Go Apple Picking/Pumpkin Picking
Growing up, we would go apple picking and to the pumpkin patch every year. When I moved to New Jersey for college and for one year post-grad, Ant and I carried on the tradition. We skipped out on the festivities last year and are looking forward to finding a local farm/orchard to visit one day in the upcoming month!
Bake an Apple Pie
Assuming bucket list item #2 (see above) is successful, I plan on baking an apple pie as soon as we’re back home! I’ve made plenty of apple crisp recipes in the past, but never a pie. Wish me luck!
Cook 10 New Dinner Recipes
I’ve been on a cooking craze. I have no idea what sparked it but I’m not complaining at all! I typically plan out our weekly dinners before we go grocery shopping so we can buy ingredients accordingly. My go-to for dinner recipe inspiration is Half Baked Harvest and I swear – we love every recipe we’ve made! Our most recent favorite was the Sheet Pan Sticky Sweet and Sour Chicken. I alter each recipe a little bit and use the instructions lightly (for example, in this recipe, I didn’t use the rice vinegar, jalapeño, and I didn’t have any apple juice on hand) – it was still delicious!
Spend a Morning in Beacon Hill
I’m not sure this really needs a spot on the bucket list as this will be an easy “task” to check off the list. Beacon Hill residents go all out for fall and Halloween decor. We went last year and had such fun viewing all of the festive doorsteps. I’m looking forward to doing this on a slow, chilly weekend morning with a cup of hot coffee in hand.
Watch the Harry Potter Movie Series
Of course, I’ve seen all of the Harry Potter movies, multiple times. Ant has only seen the first three movies, so we’re making it a priority to watch the rest of them!
Take a Day Trip to Salem, MA
I’m not 100% sure we’ll be able to make a Salem day trip happen this fall, but I’m using this bucket list as a reminder to hopefully toss something on our calendar. Our weekends are beginning to fill up so the odds aren’t really in our favor, but I’ve always wanted to experience a spooky Salem trip. We’ll see!
There’s still a few more things I’d like to accomplish this fall. I have a goal to read 5 new books (send recommendations!), visit the Boston Public Library, go to a museum that I haven’t yet been to, plan a day trip to New Hampshire, and find a local restaurant that’s serving a festive cocktail. The next few weeks are going to be busy, but all very exciting. Is there anything you’re planning to do this fall that I should add to my list? Let me know!
